Alternate Name(s):

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

Characteristics:

Although most are smaller, this little snake with the modified, free-edged rostral (nosetip) scale may attain an 18 to 20” adult size. Ground color is cream and the large blotches are dark to warm brown and have darker edges. The belly is white. It often becomes surface active on warm humid or rainy nights. Scales are usually smooth but are occasionally weakly keeled. Oviparous.

Unique Features:

Rostral (nosetip) scale is enlarged and has free edges. The body color of cream and saddles of chocolate brown are distinctive.

Habitat and Diet:

This nocturnal snake burrows in coarse sand, gravel, and rocky desert or brushland soils. Prey consists primarily of lizard eggs and may be even more specifically restricted to banded geckos and their eggs.

Geographic Range:

AZ